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Penne with Chicken and Broccoli

Sophia
A creamy, 30-minute pasta dish with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a light cream cheese sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For Garnish (Optional):

  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Boil salted water in a large pot; cook penne for 8 minutes, adding broccoli for the last 3 minutes.
  • Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high; cook chicken with salt and pepper for 5-6 minutes until golden.
  • Transfer chicken to a plate; cover to keep warm.
  • In the skillet, cook garlic for 30 seconds; add cream cheese and broth, whisking until smooth.
  • Stir in Parmesan and pasta water as needed for a creamy sauce.
  • Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet; toss to coat.
  • Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and parsley, if using.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.